Every once in a while, a particular vehicle stands out from the rest of the pack. These vehicles generally have that certain something that grabs your attention and forces you to take notice. The 2023 Chevy Equinox LT is one such vehicle.
Known for its utilitarianism and low-key, well-mannered personality, the small SUV segment isn’t exactly known for its thrills and chills. While they are certainly a staple of the American automotive market, they don’t inspire a rush of adrenaline like a sports car or off-road beast. That being said, SUVs account for over 50% of sales in the pickup truck/SUV segment, which means they’re here for the long haul.
Small SUVs have to work extra hard to stand out within that segment. They have to balance size, aesthetics, and just the right number of tech features at an affordable price point. The 2023 Chevy Equinox is certainly a stylish little SUV, and the LT trim manages to hit the spot for plenty of drivers. Take a look at why the Equinox LT deserves its own spotlight.
Well-Mannered Mechanicals
Generally speaking, smaller SUVs aren’t regarded for their tremendous pep, but rather for being pleasant to drive without requiring any additional concern or effort from the driver. Like the good-natured sedan, one should be able to slide behind the wheel of an SUV and simply drive off. That’s exactly what the Chevy Equinox LT trim is here to accomplish.
Under the hood is a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine featuring dual overhead cam design with Direct-Injection and Variable Valve Timing (VVT). This is paired with an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and Drive Shift Control technology. This means that the Equinox LT is designed to drive efficiently and smoothly at all speeds, and can provide a not-too-zesty but certainly highway-worthy 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque.
With its combined fuel economy of 28 miles per gallon and up to 63.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, the Equinox LT is plenty of vehicle for the mileage. Its four-link rear suspension, MacPherson front suspension, and StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control make it a smooth an enjoyable ride in nearly any type of weather, especially when equipped with the optional all-wheel drive.
A Comfortable Cabin
Depending on your daily driving habits, you may spend a significant amount of time behind the wheel. You likely prefer a vehicle that is straightforward, has all the features you need, and doesn’t require an online certification program to operate all of the buttons and touchpanels.
From the angular, chiseled-looking exterior, drivers can slide behind the wheel to find everything they need at their fingertips in the Chevy Equinox LT. From Active Noise Cancellation technology that monitors and dampens cabin sound, to Bluetooth audio streaming for up to two devices, drivers can create exactly the right ambiance for their daily driving duties.
The LT’s standard seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system also includes voice command phone pass-through, allowing drivers to operate their phones without taking their eyes of the road. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on board as well, and a SiriusXM Platinum subscription trial is a bonus for those purchasing their vehicles new.
Practicality is a big component of the Chevy Equinox, making it ideal for drivers on the go. Whether driving the daily carpool or heading out for weekend exploration, features like keyless entry and start are incredibly helpful, along with front and cargo area power outlets. Drivers enjoy power adjustable seats with lumbar control, too, making the Equinox a cozy choice for long drives.
Optional Upgrades
These may sound like basic offerings for today’s SUV market, but it can still be difficult to find features such as these on anything but the highest and priciest trims. Chevy Equinox is offered in LS, LT, RS, and Premier trims, which puts the LT trim in the more budget-friendly range for many drivers.
Furthermore, as established by other vehicles in its lineup, Chevy is no stranger to offering customizations and optional features to help drivers create the perfect vehicle. These extras are designed to make the Equinox LT even more suitable for a wider range of drivers. For example, drivers can select all-weather cargo and floor mats to help them cope with the muddy and snowy conditions. Perhaps the exterior of the Equinox needs an upgrade in your eyes, in which case the LT is eligible for several appearance packages. The Blackout Package adds a black grille and mirror caps along with black bowtie emblems, while the Chrome Package includes a chrome grille as mirror caps as well as a bright rear bumper protector.
Drivers may also select upgrades to the infotainment system, including the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus System. This includes a built-in navigation system with enhanced voice recognition and cloud-connected personalized settings, all accessed through an upgraded eight-inch HD color touchscreen. Features like enhanced safety technology, remote start, heated seats, and power programmable liftgate can be accessed through packages like Chevy’s Confidence and Convenience Package, which also adds dual-zone automatic climate control to the LT trim.
Safety, Security, and Confidence
For many drivers, small SUVs inspire a sense of security on the road. From a higher perch than a sedan, SUVs offer a less obstructed view of the road. They’re also well-sized to provide stability and protection without seeming bulky or hard to drive.
The Equinox is designed with a comfortable 7.9 inches of ground clearance. When paired with all-wheel drive, this allows drivers to confidently cruise over small obstacles and sloppy terrain with less worry. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System will continuously read and alert you to any changes in tire pressure after hitting a particularly rough patch of road.
The 2023 Chevy Equinox LT provides drivers with many additional safety measures in addition to a well-designed body and carefully engineered cabin. Airbags are installed throughout the interior, including front and seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the driver and front passenger, along with curtain airbags for front and rear seats.
The Equinox LT also includes the Chevy Safety Assist suite of driver assistance technology. This includes Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking and Front Pedestrian Braking, along with a Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and IntelliBeam automatic headlights.
Additional features, such as a 360-degree view HD Surround Vision, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, and Front and Rear Park Assist are also available as a part of Chevy’s optional packages.
A Solid SUV for the Average Driver
The 2023 Chevy Equinox LT is an ideal vehicle for those who want something that isn’t too fast, isn’t too bulky, doesn’t guzzle fuel, isn’t complicated, and doesn’t require too much thought or preparation before driving. It’s attractive, well-mannered, expertly engineered, and thoughtfully designed for a driver who wants to simply drive.
With a responsive and polite engine, comfortable cabin that’s well-stocked with all of the necessities, admirable standard safety features, and the ability to upgrade nearly every feature, it’s easy to see why many drivers would gravitate towards the Equinox LT. It sits in the not-too-much and not-too-little sweet spot in nearly every category. In situations where drivers may find it a bit lacking, a quick spin through Chevy’s optional packages will enable drivers to create their ideal driving space without overextending themselves financially on a high trim level or luxury vehicle.
The 2023 Equinox LT may sound like a pretty average small SUV, but for many drivers, that’s exactly what they need.
